Weight loss exercise: Do this simple workout to burn belly fat and get abs

They say summer bodies are made in the winter, and with autumn approaching, most people are jumping back on the bandwagon and getting in the gym. Whether they’re preparing for next summer or just trying to stay in shape, like January, September is one of those times when leisure centres are jam-packed. Belly fat is a popular area many tend to focus on when trying to get in shape. Located around the midriff area, belly fat simply refers to the excess abdominal fat surrounding the organs in the stomach. But belly fat isn’t just an issue because of how it looks, it could actually be a sign of a more serious health problem, which is why it’s very important that slimmers stay on top of it.

Belly fat is usually worked out by measuring the circumference around the waist. Anything above 40 inches (102 cm) in men and 35 inches (88 cm) in women is known as abdominal obesity.

By doing a particular exercise daily, slimmers could shrink their waistline and lose belly fat quickly.

What is it?

Planking has been credited for achieving abs.

According to shape.com, it is one of the best exercises for a flat, toned stomach because it works all the muscles in the core area, including the rectus abdomens (better known as the six-pack muscles), traverse abdominus, internal and external obliques, hips and back.

Strengthening the entire core not only helps with sculpting a flat stomach, but it also provides support for the entire body in everyday movements, reduces back pain, and improves posture.

As well as this, planks burn more calories than sit ups or crunches as they use muscles in the legs, arms and rear too.

There are different variations of planks but by doing a combination of the following daily, slimmers could lose belly fat and start to see some abs.

Traditional plank

Start to get into a pushup position, but bend elbows and rest weight on forearms instead of hands. The body should form a straight line from the shoulders to the ankles. Hold this position for 30 seconds while breathing deeply. Repeat.

Side plank

Lie on one side (the left or right) with knees straight. Prop the body up on the elbow and forearm. If lying on the left side, the left elbow should be propped up and vice versa.

Raise hips until the body forms a straight line from the ankles to the shoulders. Hold this position for 30 seconds (or longer if possible), bracing the abs and breathing deeply for the duration of the exercise. Swap over and do the other side.

Straight arm plank with shoulder touch

Get into a push up position, with hands on the floor beneath the shoulders. It’s important to keep arms straight. Set the feet close together and straighten the legs, keeping weight on the toes. Drop the shoulder blades down and back and keep a straight line from head to ankles.

Keeping the hips still, lift the right hand and tap the left shoulder. Repeat for 30 seconds, alternating each hand.

One man recently lost one stone and managed to get a six-pack in the process.

The man – who goes by the screen name “brownjesus_ _” – revealed he’d managed to shed 17lbs, which is just over a stone, in the space of two months.

He said: “I haven’t completely cut carbs because I still need energy but I am on a low carb diet. I have cut out all bread though, it’s mainly brown rice or quinoa when I do eat carbs.”

source: express.co.uk